Conservation Manager, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP), Vilankulo, Inhambane Province, Mozambique

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries across Africa.

The Conservation Manager will be responsible for leading and implementing BANP’s marine conservation priorities, providing technical and strategic leadership across marine and terrestrial habitats, marine biodiversity, fisheries, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, ecological monitoring, applied research, and conservation planning. The role ensures that management decisions are informed by sound science and translated into practical management actions supporting the long-term ecological integrity of BANP and the wider Inhambane seascape.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS & DUTIES

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and review of BANP’s conservation strategy, annual work plans, and technical priorities.
• Marine & Ecosystem Management: Oversee fisheries management, marine megafauna conservation, coral reef monitoring/restoration, and seagrass restoration projects.
• Ecological Monitoring & Research: Coordinate monitoring systems and applied research on dugongs, turtles, coastal fisheries, and key ecological indicators.
• Plan and implement periodic aerial surveys and other monitoring methodologies.
• Adaptive Management: Translate ecological findings into practical recommendations for park management, law enforcement, operations, zoning, and tourism.
• Stakeholder & Partner Relations: Manage relationships with ANAC, government authorities, coastal communities, donors, research institutions, and technical partners.
• Support project proposals, budgets, and donor reports.
• Team Leadership & Compliance: Supervise, mentor, and build capacity within the conservation team while ensuring legal, ethical, licensing, safeguarding, and safety compliance across all operations.

Education: Degree in Marine Biology required. A postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Marine Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of solid experience in fisheries management, marine megafauna conservation, fisheries monitoring, community-based fisheries interventions, and natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience in coral reef monitoring/restoration and seagrass habitat recovery.
• Professional experience on the East African coast, preferably in Mozambique or the Western Indian Ocean region.
• Experience working in marine protected areas (MPAs) or seascape-scale initiatives.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in scientific writing, data analysis, GIS/spatial analysis, project management, budgeting, and technical reporting.
• Languages: Fluency in spoken and written Portuguese and English.
• Operational Readiness: Ability to work effectively in remote, demanding marine environments with high professional integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to safety.
• Desirable Asset: Experience in aerial surveys is considered an advantage.

• Interested candidates should apply online via the official African Parks Network careers portal before the closing date:
•  African Parks Careers Portal: https://africanparks.simplify.hr/Vacancy/198523?source=planetvagas
• Note: African Parks Network does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and operates a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.